Heparin, bleeding and PTT

Q: "Bleeding due to heparin is usually directly proportional to the level of aPTT." This statement is

A) True
B) False



Answer: B

Contrary to popular belief bleeding from heparin administration/infusion has a very poor correlation with aPTT level. In fact, the major risk factors are

•  recent surgery
• trauma
• underlying malignancy
• hepatic disease
• other bleeding disorder
• old age
• female gender, and
• underlying anemia

#hematology

Reference:

1. Juergens CP, Semsarian C, Keech AC, et al. Hemorrhagic complications of intravenous heparin use. Am J Cardiol 1997; 80:150.

2. Hull RD, Raskob GE, Rosenbloom D, et al. Heparin for 5 days as compared with 10 days in the initial treatment of proximal venous thrombosis. N Engl J Med 1990; 322:1260.